Prime Time with Bec Wilson

Justin Bott, a representative from Services Australia, dives into the essential role of the Age Pension in retirement planning. He explains how it acts as a safety net and discusses eligibility factors, including the impact of capital drawdown over time. Justin highlights common mistakes that can jeopardize pension eligibility and warns against making short-term financial decisions that could harm long-term security. He also discusses combining superannuation with pension payments for a sustainable income and emphasizes the value of the Pensioner Concession Card.

In a lively chat with Michelle Bridges, a beloved Australian personal trainer and author, they dive into essential fitness and wellness for women navigating perimenopause. Michelle emphasizes the importance of strength training, along with a Mediterranean diet high in protein and fiber. She highlights the significance of symptom tracking for better medical consultations and shares insights on hormone changes, gut health, and the impact of alcohol on sleep. With actionable advice, Michelle inspires listeners to embrace their health journey with confidence.

In this episode, Malcolm Wood (Head of Institutional Research and Asset Allocation at Ord Minnett) and I look forward 2026 to decode what the data is really saying about the economy and how everyday investors should be looking at the year ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Boxing Day special, personal finance insights take center stage! Listeners dive into the mysteries of superannuation jargon and the complexities of retirement pensions. The discussion covers the impact of owning a second home on the age pension and the nuances of financial advice. A spotlight shines on intentional retirement transitions and the possibility of early retirement with smart planning. Plus, the role of AI in the workforce sparks a conversation about adaptation. It's all about navigating life's next steps!

Julie Goodwin, an Australian cook and media personality who gained fame after winning MasterChef Australia, shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering joy after personal struggles. She discusses how winning the show transformed her life and the importance of embracing new opportunities. Julie highlights her sources of joy, including family and creativity, while candidly discussing mental health challenges and the non-linear path to recovery. She also emphasizes the value of living in the present and offers wisdom on balancing fulfillment and financial security.

In this enlightening discussion, Xavier O'Halloran, CEO of Super Consumers Australia, dives deep into retirement savings targets for Australians. He reveals essential figures: $322k for singles and $432k for couples to live comfortably. Xavier explains how spending habits shaped these targets and emphasizes the ongoing role of the age pension as a financial pillar. For renters, he highlights a staggering need of nearly double the savings, driving the conversation toward necessary policy fixes. Listeners gain valuable tips on budgeting and planning for a secure retirement.

In this conversation, Marcus Riley, an author and international expert on positive ageing, shares insights on finding purpose later in life. He emphasizes the importance of reflecting on past experiences to identify new passions. Riley discusses how priorities shift in midlife, urging listeners to focus on relationships and personal joy rather than comparison. He offers practical steps to reignite passions, such as trying new activities and maintaining positivity. Ultimately, he inspires the pursuit of meaningful roles beyond traditional work, encouraging a reimagined view of retirement.

In this conversation, Maurizio Lombardi, Executive Manager of Advice Strategy at Hostplus, shares vital insights on financial goal setting for retirement. He emphasizes the importance of starting early, particularly in your 50s and 60s. Listeners learn practical steps like costing non-negotiable goals and understanding how superannuation and the Age Pension work together. Maurizio also discusses leveraging small salary sacrifices for long-term benefits and recommends using digital tools for personalized planning. Perfect for anyone looking to secure their financial future!

Ian Fryer, general manager at Chant West and expert in superannuation, shares valuable insights on assessing super fund performance. He explains the importance of analyzing long-term returns rather than short-term gains and highlights the various types of fees members should understand. Ian also discusses tailored retirement options and the need for education within super funds. Additionally, he dives into lifetime income products and practical advice options available to fund members to ensure they make informed retirement decisions.

Sophie Hamley, the Publisher at Hachette, dives into the newly updated guide on achieving an epic retirement. She discusses the expansion of the six essential pillars—time, financial confidence, health, happiness, travel, and aging at home. Sophie highlights the importance of reframing retirement as a continuum and introduces fresh financial lessons tailored for today's retirees. With insights specific to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, this revised edition aims to equip both pre-retirees and retirees with the latest strategies for thriving in their post-work lives.